China has said India should not become a member until it signs the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) - a key requirement for all NSG members.

But Beijing's application to join the MTCR is still pending and some analysts believe that India may use this as a bargaining chip in its NSG discussions with China.

India has said it would continue to discuss the NSG issue with China.

"This is going to be an important element of our discussion with China. We will continue to impress upon them that relationships move forward on the basis of mutual accommodation of each other's interests, concerns and priorities," foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said.

India signed a key civil nuclear deal with the US in 2008 which gave it some access to nuclear materials and technology.

But it has been pushing for a formal entry into elite groups like the NSG and MTCR which control the trade of nuclear material and technology.